Lead Metallurgist - Processing Plant Optimization

Placements24; Bellville; Híbrido; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.800.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive salary with bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Professional development

Descripción de la vacante

Our client is seeking a Lead Metallurgist to join their team in Centurion, Gauteng. You will lead a metallurgical team, driving process optimization to improve recovery, throughput and product quality across mineral processing plants.

The role requires a Master’s/PhD in Metallurgy or related field with 10+ years in mineral processing and metallurgy, including leadership and strong analytical capabilities. Hybrid work arrangement and ongoing professional development are offered.

Formación

• Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mineral processing and metallurgy, with significant lead/senior level experience.
• Proven expertise in optimizing processes for gold, base metals or industrial minerals.
• Strong knowledge of mineral processing circuits including comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining.
• Proficiency in metallurgical modeling software (JKSimMet, METSIM) and statistical analysis tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Experience in Gauteng region and understanding of local mining operations advantageous.

Responsabilidades

• Lead and manage the metallurgical team, providing guidance and performance management.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization to improve recovery, throughput and product quality.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, pilot plant trials and plant-scale investigations to identify improvement areas.
• Analyze metallurgical data, interpret results and prepare detailed technical reports and recommendations.
• Troubleshoot complex metallurgical issues and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering and R&D teams for seamless integration of metallurgical processes.
• Oversee development and maintenance of metallurgical models and simulation tools.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health and environmental regulations within the metallurgical department.
• Stay updated with latest advancements in metallurgical technology and best practices.
• Contribute to feasibility studies and capital expenditure proposals for new projects and plant upgrades.

Conocimientos

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Metallurgical software

Educación

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy/Chemical Engineering

Herramientas

JKSimMet

METSIM

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a leading mining and minerals processing company, is seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Metallurgist to join their team in Centurion, Gauteng. This senior role is crucial for optimizing the performance of their mineral processing plants, driving efficiency, and maximizing recovery rates. You will lead a team of metallurgists and technicians, providing technical expertise and strategic direction for all metallurgical processes. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of various metallurgical techniques, advanced analytical skills, and a proven track record in process improvement within the mining sector. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to contribute to the operational success of a significant player in the industry, based in the accessible and well-connected area of Centurion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the metallurgical team, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance management.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization to improve recovery, throughput, and product quality.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, pilot plant trials, and plant-scale investigations to identify areas for improvement.
• Analyze metallurgical data, interpret results, and prepare detailed technical reports and recommendations.
• Troubleshoot complex metallurgical issues and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and R&D teams to ensure seamless integration of metallurgical processes.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of metallurgical models and simulation tools.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations within the metallurgical department.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in metallurgical technology and best practices.
• Contribute to feasibility studies and capital expenditure proposals for new projects and plant upgrades.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mineral processing and metallurgy, with significant experience in a lead or senior role.
• Proven expertise in optimizing processes for commodities such as gold, base metals, or industrial minerals.
• Strong knowledge of mineral processing circuits, including comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining.
• Proficiency in metallurgical modeling software (e.g., JKSimMet, METSIM) and statistical analysis tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Experience in the Gauteng region and an understanding of local mining operations are advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, balancing on-site presence with remote collaboration.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with a performance-related bonus.
• Comprehensive benefits include medical aid, a provident fund, and life insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and attending international conferences are provided.
• This hybrid role offers flexibility, allowing for a good work-life balance while contributing to critical operational improvements in Centurion, Gauteng.
• You will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to sustainable and efficient resource extraction.